Genetic differentiation of predominant mosquito species in Hainan province and characterization of mosquito midgut microbiota

Objective: To identify the mosquito species collected in the field of 8 cities/counties of Hainan province, China and to analyze the characteristics of genetic differentiation of the predominant mosquito species. The types, contents and composition characteristics of the midgut microbiota of various mosquito species were explored to provide evidence for the control and prevention of mosquito-borne diseases in Hainan province. Methods: Adult mosquitoes were collected in the field using light traps, human lure or cattle lure methods. Morphology and DNA-barcoding technology (COI gene) were applied to identify the mosquito species. The V3-V4 hypervariable region of microbes 16S rRNA was used for high-throughput sequencing of the midgut microbiota, and SPSS 21.0 and R v3.1.1 software were employed to perform statistical analysis of the sequencing results and the Beta diversity analysis. Results: Aedes (Ae.) albopictus, Armigeres (Ar.) subalbatus and Culex (Cx.) pipiens pallpens were the three predominant species of the mosquito samples. Ae. albopictus was closely related to MK736660 (India) and JQ235749 (Yunnan), while MT541282 (DF, Dongfang) was a relatively independent population. The composition and structure of bacterial communities significantly varied among most of the samples (P Conclusions: Ae. albopictus, Ar. subalbatus and Cx. pipiens pallpens were close within the same species in Hainan. The main exchange of mosquito species occurs within Hainan province, but also occurs across provincial or even national boundaries. The gut microbiota of mosquito species collected from the same sites were similar. Most of the core bacteria found in the midgut of Ae. albopictus were also present in Ar. subalbatus and Cx. pipiens pallpens, indicating that the breeding environment of Ae. albopictus may cover the breeding environment of Ar. subalbatus and Cx. pipiens pallpens.